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Building Permits

Do you need a building permit?

Most construction work requires a permit, there are minor exceptions and examples are provided below.

Examples of Permit Exempt Items
  • Painting
  • Plumbing Fixture Replacement
  • Receptacle/Switch Replacement
  • Fences under 4'*
  • Decks less than 30" above grade and less than 100SF surface**
  • Sheds under 120SF & within setback requirements

* Site Plan Approval Required
** Site Plan Approval Required and not within the Wildland/Urban Interface.

Examples of Items Requiring Building Permits
  • Carports
  • Fences over 4'
  • Covered Patios
  • Replacement of Roofing Materials
  • Window Replacement
  • Water Heater Installation

Resources

Permit Packages

The following permit packages and submittal forms can be downloaded here. Please contact the building division, 777-1356, with questions.

FAQ

Q. Are permits required to replace electrical or plumbing?
A. NO: If only minor repairs such as replacing a light fixture, outlet, toilet or faucet, or fixing a leak.
YES: If any new wiring or plumbing pipe is extended or installed.
Q. Can the Owner do the work?
A. YES: If it is a residential building and the owner lives there, he or she can do all the work as long as it complies with code. If it is commercial, the owner can do general work (framing, drywall, and concrete) only if he or she is going to be the only person to occupy or be in the building.
NO: If it is a commercial building a State-licensed contractor is required for all work when the public or employees will visit, occupy or be in the building.
Q. Why do I need a permit?
A. A permit ensures that the City Building Inspection Division will inspect the work. The inspector may discover faulty materials, deviations from the approved plans or violations of the building codes and land use codes that may result in an unsafe or hazardous condition for you or your family. It is a violation of City ordinance not to have a permit when work being done requires one. Failure to obtain a permit may result in an investigation fee being added to the cost of the permit and/or may result in prosecution in city court.
Q. Is a permit required to install or replace a water heater?
A. Yes, There are several safety related issues the inspector will check for. These include the expansion tank, temperature/pressure relief valve, combustion air for gas appliances, and, if installed in a garage, the proper height above the floor.
Q. Is a building permit required for window replacement?
A. The replacement of glass in hazardous locations and glass required to be fire-rated requires a building permit. In addition, a building permit is required if an entire window assembly is being replaced. A building permit is not required for the replacement of glass panes.
Q. Is an architect or engineer required to draw my plans?
A. The Arizona State Board of Technical Registration regulates when a project requires a registrant. According to Rule R4-30-301 a registrant is not required for single family homes but is required for all new, additions, and remodel projects for commercial and multi-family projects over 3,000 square feet in area. This applies to remodel projects in strip malls for example if the over all building size exceeds 3,000 square feet even if the space being remodeled is less than 3,000 square feet. State Board of Technical Registration.

Planning & Zoning Applications

FAQ

Q. Can I add (1) garage, either attached or detached?
A. Garage, whether detached or attached may be added to your property. It will have to meet standard district setbacks and if detached may be as close as 4’ from the rear property line or 6’ from the rear property line if access from an alley is being proposed.
Q. Can I add a storage shed?
A. Storage sheds can be built upon private property that meet setbacks and receive either site plan approval (less than 180 SF) or a building permit (More than 180 SF).
Q. What is the process for guest quarters?
A. In the single-family zoning district, guest quarters are permitted with a conditional use permit (CUP). The CUP is a formal application process to the Board of Adjustment. The guesthouses are permitted to have a fully functional kitchen, stove or range but can not be rented or sold.
Q. Can I split my property and sell-off a portion? What do I need to do?
A. If your proposed split provides enough area to meet the minimum square footage for your zoning district, splitting can be accomplished by a formal application to Planning and Zoning for either a land split, revision to a plat or a replat. In all three cases, an Arizona Registered Land Surveyor will be required.
Q. Can I have a business in my home?
A. Home based business is permitted when they meet the criteria set forth in the Land Development Code. This typically restricts the home based business from generating traffic, customers or employees that do not live on the premises.
Q. Can I have a horse on my property?
A. Animals including horses are governed by chapter 3 (animals and fowl) of the City Code. The number of horses is dependent on land area and setbacks, not zoning.
Q. How many unrelated people can live in one residence?
A. A single family for purposes of occupying a single-family home will allow up to 8 unrelated people.
Q. What kind of signage can I have on my business? What about banners?
A. The sign code provides for signage within the City limits. Banners are permitted on a temporary basis with a temporary sign permit.
Q. Can I have a hot dog or food vending cart around town?
A. Individual stand-alone hot dog carts are not permitted within the City limits.
Q. When do I need Development Review?
A. Development Review (DRC) is required whenever there is new commercial construction, change of use or significant expansion to an existing commercial development. A commercial development includes residential developments, which number 3 units or more or any combinations that makes 3 or more units. A pre-application meeting will not always be required. Contact Planning staff if there are questions.